The term "saquinavir soft gel capsules" used in this label refers to the drug product formerly marketed as "Fortovase" (saquinavir 200 mg soft gel capsule formulation). This formulation has been withdrawn from the market.

Indications and Usage for Invirase

Invirase in combination with ritonavir and other antiretroviral agents is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults (over the age of 16 years).

The following points should be considered when initiating therapy with Invirase:

No additional ritonavir is recommended when Invirase is administered with lopinavir/ritonavir 400/100 mg twice daily.

​Pediatric dose recommendations that are both reliably effective and below thresholds of concern for QT and PR interval prolongation could not be determined.

Administration for Patients Unable to Swallow Capsules

​Open the Invirase capsules and place the contents into an empty container. Add 15 mL of either sugar syrup or sorbitol syrup (for patients with Type 1 diabetes or glucose intolerance) OR 3 teaspoons of jam to the contents of Invirase capsules that are in the container. Stir with a spoon for 30 to 60 seconds. Administer the full amount prepared for each dose. Suspensions should be at room temperature before administering.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Capsules: 200 mg
Film-coated tablets: 500 mg

Contraindications

QT interval prolongation and torsades de pointes have been reported rarely with Invirase/ritonavir use. Do not use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, those with refractory hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, and in combination with drugs that both increase saquinavir plasma concentrations and prolong the QT interval [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

Invirase is contraindicated in patients with complete atrioventricular (AV) block without implanted pacemakers, or patients who are at high risk of complete AV block [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Invirase is contraindicated in patients with clinically significant hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction, Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to saquinavir, saquinavir mesylate, or any of its ingredients.

Invirase when administered with ritonavir is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Coadministration of Invirase/ritonavir is contraindicated with drugs that are CYP3A substrates for which increased plasma levels may result in serious or life-threatening reactions. These drugs and potentially related adverse events are listed in Table 1.

Table 1 Drugs That Are Contraindicated With Invirase/ritonavir

Drug Class

Drugs Within Class That Are Contraindicated With Invirase/ritonavir

Clinical Comment

Alpha 1-adrenoreceptor antagonist

Alfuzosin

Potentially increased alfuzosin concentrations can result in hypotension.

Increased potential for sildenafil-associated adverse events (which include visual disturbances, hypotension, prolonged erection, and syncope). A safe and effective dose has not been established when used with Invirase/ritonavir.

Sedative/Hypnotics

Triazolam, orally administered midazolam

Potential for serious and/or life threatening reactions such as prolonged or increased sedation or respiratory depression.

Triazolam and orally administered midazolam are extensively metabolized by CYP3A4. Coadministration of triazolam or orally administered midazolam with Invirase/ritonavir may cause large increases in the concentration of these benzodiazepines.

Warnings and Precautions

Invirase must be used in combination with ritonavir. Please refer to the ritonavir full prescribing information for additional precautionary measures.

If a serious or severe toxicity occurs during treatment with Invirase, Invirase should be interrupted until the etiology of the event is identified or the toxicity resolves. At that time, resumption of treatment with full-dose Invirase may be considered. For antiretroviral agents used in combination with Invirase, physicians should refer to the complete product information for these drugs for dose adjustment recommendations and for information regarding drug-associated adverse reactions.

Drug Interactions

The combination Invirase/ritonavir is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A and may significantly increase the exposure of drugs primarily metabolized by CYP3A. See Table 1 for a listing of drugs that are contraindicated for use with Invirase/ritonavir due to potentially life-threatening adverse events or significant drug interactions [see Contraindications (4)]. See Table 3 for established and other potentially significant drug interactions [see Drug Interactions (7.3)].

PR Interval Prolongation

Saquinavir/ritonavir prolongs the PR interval in a dose-dependent fashion. Cases of second or third degree atrioventricular block have been reported rarely. Patients with underlying structural heart disease, pre-existing conduction system abnormalities, cardiomyopathies and ischemic heart disease may be at increased risk for developing cardiac conduction abnormalities. ECG monitoring is recommended in these patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

The impact on the PR interval of co-administration of saquinavir/ritonavir with other drugs that prolong the PR interval (including calcium channel blockers, beta-adrenergic blockers, digoxin and atazanavir) has not been evaluated. As a result, co-administration of saquinavir/ritonavir with these drugs should be undertaken with caution, particularly with those drugs metabolized by CYP3A, and clinical monitoring is recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

QT Interval Prolongation

Saquinavir/ritonavir causes dose-dependent QT prolongation. Torsades de pointes has been reported rarely post-marketing. Avoid saquinavir/ritonavir in patients with long QT syndrome. ECG monitoring is recommended if therapy is initiated in patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, hepatic impairment and electrolyte abnormalities. Correct hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia prior to initiating saquinavir/ritonavir and monitor these electrolytes periodically during therapy. Do not use in combination with drugs that both increase saquinavir plasma concentrations and prolong the QT interval (see Tables 1 and 3) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

Patients initiating therapy with ritonavir-boosted Invirase:

An ECG should be performed prior to initiation of treatment. Patients with a QT interval > 450 msec should not receive ritonavir-boosted Invirase. For patients with a QT interval < 450 msec, an on-treatment ECG is suggested after approximately 3 to 4 days of therapy; patients with a QT interval > 480 msec or prolongation over pre-treatment by > 20 msec should discontinue ritonavir-boosted Invirase.

Patients requiring treatment with medications with the potential to increase the QT interval and concomitant ritonavir-boosted Invirase:

Such combinations should only be used where no alternative therapy is available and the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. An ECG should be performed prior to initiation of the concomitant therapy, and patients with a QT interval > 450 msec should not initiate the concomitant therapy. If baseline QT interval < 450 msec, an on-treatment ECG should be performed after 3-4 days of therapy. For patients demonstrating a subsequent increase in QT interval to > 480 msec or increase by > 20 msec after commencing concomitant therapy, the physician should use best clinical judgment to discontinue either ritonavir-boosted Invirase or the concomitant therapy or both.

A cardiology consult is recommended if drug discontinuation or interruption is being considered on the basis of ECG assessment.

Diabetes Mellitus / Hyperglycemia

New onset diabetes mellitus, exacerbation of preexisting diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia have been reported during postmarketing surveillance in HIV-1-infected patients receiving protease-inhibitor therapy. Some patients required either initiation or dose adjustments of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents for the treatment of these events. In some cases diabetic ketoacidosis has occurred. In those patients who discontinued protease-inhibitor therapy, hyperglycemia persisted in some cases. Because these events have been reported voluntarily during clinical practice, estimates of frequency cannot be made and a causal relationship between protease-inhibitor therapy and these events has not been established.

Hepatotoxicity

In patients with underlying hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, chronic alcoholism and/or other underlying liver abnormalities, there have been reports of worsening liver disease.

Hemophilia

There have been reports of spontaneous bleeding in patients with hemophilia A and B treated with protease inhibitors. In some patients additional factor VIII was required. In the majority of reported cases treatment with protease inhibitors was continued or restarted. A causal relationship between protease inhibitor therapy and these episodes has not been established.

Hyperlipidemia

Elevated cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels have been observed in some patients taking saquinavir in combination with ritonavir. Marked elevation in triglyceride levels is a risk factor for development of pancreatitis. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels should be monitored prior to initiating combination dosing regimen of Invirase with ritonavir, and at periodic intervals while on such therapy. In these patients, lipid disorders should be managed as clinically appropriate.

Lactose Intolerance

Each capsule contains lactose (anhydrous) 63.3 mg. This quantity should not induce specific symptoms of intolerance.

Fat Redistribution

Redistribution/accumulation of body fat including central obesity, dorsocervical fat enlargement (buffalo hump), facial wasting, peripheral wasting, breast enlargement, and "cushingoid appearance" have been observed in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. The mechanism and long-term consequences of these events are currently unknown. A causal relationship has not been established.

Immune Reconstitution Syndrome

Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy, including Invirase. During the initial phase of combination antiretroviral treatment, patients whose immune system responds may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual opportunistic infections (such as Mycobacterium avium infection, cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia [PCP], or tuberculosis), which may necessitate further evaluation and treatment.

​Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves' disease, polymyositis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome) have also been reported to occur in the setting of immune reconstitution; however, the time to onset is more variable, and can occur many months after initiation of treatment.

Resistance/Cross-resistance

Varying degrees of cross-resistance among HIV-1 protease inhibitors have been observed. Continued administration of Invirase therapy following loss of viral suppression may increase the likelihood of cross resistance to other protease inhibitors [see Microbiology (12.4)].

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:

Clinical Trial Experience in Adult Subjects

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

The original Invirase safety database consisted of a total of 574 adult subjects who received saquinavir 600 mg alone or in combination with ZDV or ddC. Combination dosing with ritonavir is based on 352 HIV-1 infected subjects and 166 healthy subjects who received various combinations of either saquinavir (hard gel or soft-gel capsules) with ritonavir.

Limited experience is available from three trials investigating the pharmacokinetics of the Invirase 500 mg film-coated tablet compared to the Invirase 200 mg capsule in healthy volunteers (n=140). In two of these trials saquinavir was boosted with ritonavir; in the other trial, saquinavir was administered as single drug. The Invirase tablet and the capsule formulations were similarly tolerated. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal disorders (such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea). Similar bioavailability was demonstrated and no clinically significant differences in saquinavir exposures were seen. Thus, similar safety profiles are expected between the two Invirase formulations.

A study investigating the drug-drug interaction of rifampin 600 mg/day daily and Invirase 1000 mg/ritonavir 100 mg twice daily enrolled 28 healthy volunteers. Eleven of 17 healthy volunteers (65%) exposed concomitantly to rifampin and ritonavir-boosted Invirase developed severe hepatocellular toxicity which presented as increased hepatic transaminases. In some subjects, transaminases increased up to >20-fold the upper limit of normal and were associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, gastritis, nausea, and vomiting. Following discontinuation of all three drugs, clinical symptoms abated and the increased hepatic transaminases normalized [see Contraindications (4)].

Clinical Trial Experience in Pediatric Subjects

Limited safety data are available from two pediatric clinical trials of saquinavir hard gel capsules (approximately 50 mg per kg twice daily) used in combination with either low dose ritonavir or lopinavir/ritonavir. These trials enrolled pediatric subjects aged 4 months to 16 years old. In the HIVNAT 017 study (Invirase + lopinavir/ritonavir), adverse events were reported in 90% of the 50 subjects enrolled. The most commonly reported adverse events considered related to study treatment were diarrhea (18%) and vomiting (10%). In the NV20911 study (Invirase + ritonavir), 4 subjects (22% of 18 enrolled) experienced adverse events that were considered related to Invirase + ritonavir. These events (n) were vomiting (3), abdominal pain (1) and diarrhea (1). All reported adverse events were mild or moderate in intensity. The adverse reaction profile of Invirase in the pediatric trials is similar to that observed in adult trials.

Postmarketing Experience

Additional adverse events identified during postmarketing use are similar to those observed in clinical trials with Invirase and saquinavir soft gel capsules alone or in combination with ritonavir. Because these events are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to Invirase exposure. In addition, torsades de pointes has been reported rarely [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Drug Interactions

Drug interaction studies have been completed with both Invirase and saquinavir soft gel capsules. Observations from drug interaction studies with saquinavir soft gel capsules may not be predictive for Invirase/ritonavir. Because ritonavir is coadministered with Invirase, prescribers should also refer to the prescribing information for ritonavir regarding drug interactions associated with this agent.

Potential for Invirase to Affect Other Drugs

The combination Invirase/ritonavir is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A and may significantly increase the exposure of drugs primarily metabolized by CYP3A. Drugs that are contraindicated specifically due to the observed or expected magnitude of interaction and potential for serious or life-threatening adverse events are listed in Table 1[see Contraindications (4)]. Coadministration with other CYP3A substrates may require a dose adjustment or additional monitoring (see Table 3).

Potential for Other Drugs to Affect Invirase

The metabolism of saquinavir is mediated primarily by CYP3A. Additionally, saquinavir is a substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Therefore, drugs that affect CYP3A and/or P-gp may modify the pharmacokinetics of saquinavir. Coadministration with drugs that are potent inducers of CYP3A (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine) may result in decreased plasma concentrations of saquinavir and reduced therapeutic effect.

Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions

Based on the finding of dose-dependent prolongations of QT and PR intervals in healthy volunteers receiving Invirase/ritonavir, additive effects on QT and/or PR interval prolongation may occur with certain members of the following drug classes: antiarrhythmics class IA or class III, neuroleptics, antidepressive agents, PDE5 inhibitors (when used for pulmonary arterial hypertension), antimicrobials, antihistaminics and others. This effect might lead to an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias, notably torsades de pointes. Therefore, concurrent administration of these agents with Invirase/ritonavir is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4)].

Table 3 provides a listing of established or potentially clinically significant drug interactions. Alteration in dose or avoidance of the combination may be recommended depending on the interaction.

Table 3 Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions: Alteration in Dose or Regimen May Be Recommended Based on Drug Interaction Studies or on Predicted Interaction with Invirase/ritonavir

Evidence from several clinical trials indicates that saquinavir concentrations achieved with the saquinavir and lopinavir/ritonavir combination are similar to those achieved following saquinavir/ritonavir 1000/100 mg. The recommended dose for this combination is saquinavir 1000 mg plus lopinavir/ritonavir 400/100 mg bid.

Lopinavir/ritonavir in combination with Invirase should be used with caution. Additive effects on QT and/or PR interval prolongation may occur with Invirase [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2,5.3)].

No clinically significant interaction was noted from a study in 12 HIV-1 subjects who received enfuvirtide concomitantly with saquinavir soft gel capsules/ritonavir 1000/100 mg bid. No dose adjustments are required.

HIV-1 CCR5 antagonist:
Maraviroc

↑ Maraviroc

Maraviroc dose should be 150 mg twice daily when coadministered with Invirase/ritonavir. For further details see complete prescribing information for Selzentry® (maraviroc).

When Invirase/ritonavir and ketoconazole are coadministered, plasma concentrations of ketoconazole are increased (see Table 3). Hence, doses of ketoconazole or itraconazole >200 mg/day are not recommended.

No dose adjustment of Invirase/ritonavir (1000/100 mg bid) is required if ritonavir-boosted Invirase is administered in combination with rifabutin.

Dosage reduction of rifabutin by at least 75% of the usual dose of 300 mg/day is recommended (i.e., a maximum dose of 150 mg every other day or three times per week). Increased monitoring for adverse events is warranted in patients receiving the combination.

Midazolam is extensively metabolized by CYP3A4. Increases in the concentration of midazolam are expected to be significantly higher with oral than parenteral administration. Therefore, Invirase should not be given with orally administered midazolam [see Contraindications (4)]. If Invirase is coadministered with parenteral midazolam, close clinical monitoring for respiratory depression and/or prolonged sedation should be exercised and dosage adjustment should be considered.

Increases in serum digoxin concentration were greater in female subjects as compared to male subjects when digoxin was coadministered with Invirase/ritonavir.

Concomitant use of Invirase/ritonavir with digoxin results in a significant increase in serum concentrations of digoxin. Caution should be exercised when Invirase/ritonavir and digoxin are coadministered; serum digoxin concentrations should be monitored and the dose of digoxin may need to be reduced when coadministered with Invirase/ritonavir.

Endothelin receptor antagonists:
Bosentan

↑ Bosentan

Coadministration of bosentan in patients on Invirase/ritonavir:

In patients who have been receiving Invirase/ritonavir for at least 10 days, start bosentan at 62.5 mg once daily or every other day based upon individual tolerability.

Coadministration of Invirase/ritonavir in patients on bosentan:

Discontinue use of bosentan at least 36 hours prior to initiation of Invirase/ritonavir.

After at least 10 days following the initiation of Invirase/ritonavir, resume bosentan at 62.5 mg once daily or every other day based upon individual tolerability.

Inhaled beta agonist:
Salmeterol

↑ Salmeterol

Concurrent administration of salmeterol with Invirase/ritonavir is not recommended. The combination may result in increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events associated with salmeterol, including QT prolongation, palpitations and sinus tachycardia.

Concomitant use of fluticasone propionate and Invirase/ritonavir may increase plasma concentrations of fluticasone propionate, resulting in significantly reduced serum cortisol concentrations. Coadministration of fluticasone propionate and Invirase/ritonavir is not recommended unless the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the risk of systemic corticosteroid side effects.

Only the combination of sildenafil with saquinavir soft gelatin capsules has been studied at doses used for treatment of erectile dysfunction.

May result in an increase in PDE5 inhibitor-associated adverse events, including hypotension, syncope, visual disturbances, and priapism.

Use of PDE-5 inhibitors for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH):

Use of sildenafil (Revatio) is contraindicated when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) [see Contraindications (4)].

The following dose adjustments are recommended for use of tadalafil (Adcirca®) with Invirase/ritonavir:

Coadministration of Adcirca in patients on Invirase/ritonavir:

In patients receiving Invirase/ritonavir for at least one week, start Adcirca at 20 mg once daily. Increase to 40 mg once daily based upon individual tolerability.

Coadministration of Invirase/ritonavir in patients on Adcirca:

Avoid use of Adcirca during the initiation of Invirase/ritonavir. Stop Adcirca at least 24 hours prior to starting Invirase/ritonavir. After at least one week following the initiation of Invirase/ritonavir, resume Adcirca at 20 mg once daily. Increase to 40 mg once daily based upon individual tolerability.

Use of PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction:

Use sildenafil with caution at reduced doses of 25 mg every 48 hours with increased monitoring of adverse events when administered concomitantly with Invirase/ritonavir.

Use vardenafil with caution at reduced doses of no more than 2.5 mg every 72 hours with increased monitoring of adverse events when administered concomitantly with Invirase/ritonavir.

Use tadalafil with caution at reduced doses of no more than 10 mg every 72 hours with increased monitoring of adverse events when administered concomitantly with Invirase/ritonavir.

When Invirase/ritonavir is co-administered with omeprazole, saquinavir concentrations are increased significantly. If omeprazole or another proton pump inhibitor is taken concomitantly with Invirase/ritonavir, caution is advised and monitoring for potential saquinavir toxicities is recommended, particularly gastrointestinal symptoms, increased triglycerides, deep vein thrombosis, and QT prolongation.

Coadministration of garlic capsules and saquinavir is not recommended due to the potential for garlic capsules to induce the metabolism of saquinavir which may result in sub-therapeutic saquinavir concentrations.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category B

Reproduction studies conducted with saquinavir have shown no embryotoxicity or teratogenicity in both rats and rabbits. Because of limited bioavailability of saquinavir in animals and/or dosing limitations, the plasma exposures (AUC values) in the respective species were approximately 29% (using rat) and 21% (using rabbit) of those obtained in humans at the recommended clinical dose boosted with ritonavir. Clinical experience in pregnant women is limited. Saquinavir should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry

To monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to antiretroviral medications, including Invirase, an Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry has been established. Physicians are encouraged to register patients by calling 1-800-258-4263.

Nursing Mothers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that HIV-infected mothers not breastfeed their infants to avoid risking postnatal transmission of HIV-1.

It is not known whether saquinavir is excreted in human milk. Because of both the potential for HIV-1 transmission and the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, mothers should be instructed not to breastfeed if they are receiving Invirase.

Pediatric Use

The safety and activity of saquinavir have been evaluated in 68 pediatric subjects 4 months to less than 16 years of age treated with Invirase boosted with either ritonavir or with lopinavir/ritonavir in two clinical trials. Data from the NV20911 trial demonstrated that saquinavir boosted with low dose ritonavir provided plasma levels of saquinavir that were significantly higher than those historically observed in adults at the approved dose [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The HIVNAT 017 trial provided long term 96-week activity and safety data; however, pharmacokinetic data from this study could not be validated.

HIVNAT 017 was an open-label, single-arm trial at two centers in Thailand that evaluated the use of Invirase (50 mg per kg twice daily given as 200 mg capsules) with lopinavir/ritonavir (230/57.5 mg/m2 twice daily) for 96 weeks. Fifty subjects 4 years to less than 16 years of age were enrolled. In this trial population, treatment resulted in HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL at week 96 in 78% of subjects (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies per mL at week 96 in 66%). Mean CD4 lymphocyte percentage increased from 8% at screening to 22% at week 96.

NV20911 was an open label, multinational trial that evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety, and activity of Invirase (50 mg per kg twice daily as 200 mg capsules, up to the adult dose of 1000 mg twice daily) and ritonavir oral solution plus ≥ 2 background ARVs. Eighteen subjects 4 months to less than 6 years of age were enrolled. Treatment with Invirase/ritonavir resulted in HIV-1 RNA <400 copies per mL at week 48 in 72% of subjects (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies per mL at week 48 in 61%). The percentage of subjects with HIV-1 RNA <50 copies per mL at week 48 was 61%. Mean CD4 lymphocyte percentage increased from 29% at screening to 34% at week 48.

Steady state saquinavir exposures observed in pediatric trials were substantially higher than historical data in adults where dose- and exposure-dependent QTc and PR prolongation were observed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Clinical Pharmacology (12.2, 12.3)]. Although electrocardiogram abnormalities were not reported in these pediatric trials, the trials were small and not designed to evaluate QT or PR intervals. Modeling and simulation assessment of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships in pediatric subjects suggest that reducing the Invirase dose to minimize risk of QT prolongation is likely to reduce antiviral efficacy. In addition, no clinical efficacy data are available at Invirase doses less than 50 mg per kg in pediatric subjects. Therefore, pediatric dose recommendations that are both reliably effective and below thresholds of concern with respect to QT and PR prolongation could not be determined.

Geriatric Use

Clinical trials of Invirase did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dosing Invirase in elderly patients should be undertaken with caution keeping in mind the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Impaired Renal Function

Renal clearance is a minor elimination pathway; the principal route of excretion for saquinavir is by hepatic metabolism. Therefore, no initial dose adjustment is necessary for patients with renal impairment. However, patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have not been studied, and caution should be exercised when prescribing Invirase in this population.

Impaired Hepatic Function

No dosage adjustment is necessary for HIV-1-infected patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment based on limited data. In patients with underlying hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, chronic alcoholism and/or other underlying liver abnormalities, there have been reports of worsening liver disease [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Invirase when administered with ritonavir is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4)].

Overdosage

There is limited experience of overdose with saquinavir.

No acute toxicities or sequelae were noted in 1 subject who ingested 8 grams of Invirase as a single dose. The subject was treated with induction of emesis within 2 to 4 hours after ingestion. A second subject ingested 2.4 grams of Invirase in combination with 600 mg of ritonavir and experienced pain in the throat that lasted for 6 hours and then resolved. In an exploratory Phase II study of oral dosing with Invirase at 7200 mg per day (1200 mg q4h), there were no serious toxicities reported through the first 25 weeks of treatment.

Treatment of overdose with saquinavir should consist of general supportive measures including monitoring of vital signs and ECG and observations of the patient's clinical status. Since saquinavir is highly protein bound, dialysis is unlikely to be beneficial in significant removal of the active substance.

Invirase - Clinical Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Pharmacodynamics

QTcS interval was evaluated in a randomized, placebo and active (moxifloxacin 400 mg once daily) controlled crossover study in 59 healthy adults, with ECG measurements on Day 3. The maximum mean (95% upper confidence bound) differences in QTcS interval from placebo after baseline-correction were 18.9 (22.0) and 30.2 (33.4) ms for 1000/100 mg twice daily and supratherapeutic 1500/100 mg twice daily of Invirase/ritonavir, respectively. There is a delayed effect between QTc interval change and drug concentrations, with the maximum placebo-adjusted baseline-corrected QTcS observed at about 12-20 h post-dose. Invirase/ritonavir 1500/100 mg twice daily resulted in a Day 3 mean Cmax of Invirase approximately 1.4-fold higher than the mean Cmax observed on Day 3 with the approved therapeutic dose in healthy volunteers (within the same study). QTcS in this study was QT/RR0.319 for males and QT/RR0.337 for females, which are similar to Fridericia's correction (QTcF=QT/RR0.3333).

PR and QRS interval prolongations were also noted in subjects receiving Invirase/ritonavir in the same study on Day 3. The maximum mean (95% upper confidence bound) difference from placebo in the PR interval after baseline-correction were 28.6 (31.6) and 38.4 (41.4) ms for 1000/100 mg twice daily and supratherapeutic 1500/100 mg twice daily saquinavir/ritonavir respectively. The maximum mean (95% upper confidence bound) difference from placebo in QRS interval after baseline correction were 2.9 (3.9) and 4.4 (5.3) ms for 1000/100 mg twice daily and supratherapeutic 1500/100 mg twice daily Invirase/ritonavir respectively. In this study using healthy subjects, PR interval prolongation of >200 ms was also observed in 40% and 47% of subjects receiving Invirase/ritonavir 1000/100 mg bid and 1500/100 mg bid, respectively, on Day 3. Three (3%) of subjects in the active control moxifloxacin arm and 5% in the placebo arm experienced PR prolongation of >200 ms.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of Invirase/ritonavir 1000/100 mg twice daily have been evaluated in HIV-1-infected subjects and healthy subjects. Steady-state saquinavir AUC, Cmax, and Cmin in healthy subjects are approximately 50% higher than observed in HIV-1-infected subjects.

Absolute bioavailability of saquinavir administered as Invirase averaged 4% (CV 73%, range: 1% to 9%) in 8 healthy volunteers who received a single 600-mg dose (3 × 200 mg) of saquinavir mesylate following a high-fat breakfast (48 g protein, 60 g carbohydrate, 57 g fat; 1006 kcal). The low bioavailability is thought to be due to a combination of incomplete absorption and extensive first-pass metabolism.

Invirase in combination with ritonavir at a dose of 1000/100 mg twice daily provides saquinavir systemic exposures over a 24-hour period that are similar to those achieved with saquinavir soft gel capsules with ritonavir 1000/100 mg twice daily and greater than that achieved with saquinavir soft gel capsules 1200 mg three times daily (see Table 4).

Table 4 Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Saquinavir at Steady-State After Administration of Different Regimens in HIV-1-Infected Subjects

Dosing Regimen

N

AUCτ
(ng∙h/mL)

AUC24h
(ng∙h/mL)

Cmin
(ng/mL)

τ is the dosing interval (i.e., 8h if three times daily and 12h if twice daily)

The mean 24-hour AUC after a single 600-mg oral dose (6 × 100 mg) in healthy volunteers (n=6) was increased from 24 ng∙h/mL (CV 33%), under fasting conditions, to 161 ng∙h/mL (CV 35%) when Invirase was given following a high-fat breakfast (48 g protein, 60 g carbohydrate, 57 g fat; 1006 kcal). Saquinavir 24-hour AUC and Cmax (n=6) following the administration of a higher calorie meal (943 kcal, 54 g fat) were on average 2 times higher than after a lower calorie, lower fat meal (355 kcal, 8 g fat). The effect of food has been shown to persist for up to 2 hours.

Invirase/ritonavir should be taken within 2 hours after a meal.

Distribution

The mean steady-state volume of distribution following intravenous administration of a 12-mg dose of saquinavir (n=8) was 700 L (CV 39%), suggesting saquinavir partitions into tissues. Saquinavir was approximately 98% bound to plasma proteins over a concentration range of 15 to 700 ng/mL. In 2 subjects receiving saquinavir mesylate 600 mg three times daily, cerebrospinal fluid concentrations were negligible when compared to concentrations from matching plasma samples.

Metabolism and Elimination

In vitro studies using human liver microsomes have shown that the metabolism of saquinavir is cytochrome P450 mediated with the specific isoenzyme, CYP3A4, responsible for more than 90% of the hepatic metabolism. Based on in vitro studies, saquinavir is rapidly metabolized to a range of mono- and di-hydroxylated inactive compounds. In a mass balance study using 600 mg 14C-saquinavir mesylate (n=8), 88% and 1% of the orally administered radioactivity was recovered in feces and urine, respectively, within 5 days of dosing. In an additional 4 subjects administered 10.5 mg 14C-saquinavir intravenously, 81% and 3% of the intravenously administered radioactivity was recovered in feces and urine, respectively, within 5 days of dosing. In mass balance studies, 13% of circulating radioactivity in plasma was attributed to unchanged drug after oral administration and the remainder attributed to saquinavir metabolites. Following intravenous administration, 66% of circulating radioactivity was attributed to unchanged drug and the remainder attributed to saquinavir metabolites, suggesting that saquinavir undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism.

Systemic clearance of saquinavir was rapid, 1.14 L/h/kg (CV 12%) after intravenous doses of 6, 36, and 72 mg. The mean residence time of saquinavir was 7 hours (n=8).

Special Populations

Renal Impairment

Saquinavir pharmacokinetics in patients with renal impairment has not been investigated. Only 1% of saquinavir is excreted in the urine, so the impact of renal impairment on saquinavir elimination would likely be minimal. However, subjects with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have not been studied, and concentrations of saquinavir may be elevated in these populations.

Hepatic Impairment

The effect of hepatic impairment on the steady state pharmacokinetics of Invirase/ritonavir (1000/100 mg bid for 14 days) was investigated in 7 HIV-1-infected subjects with moderate liver impairment (6 with Child-Pugh score of 7 and 1 with Child-Pugh score of 9). The study included a control group consisting of 7 HIV-1-infected subjects with normal hepatic function matched with hepatically impaired subjects for age, gender, weight and tobacco use. The mean (% coefficient of variation in parentheses) values for Invirase AUC0-12 and Cmax were 24.3 (102%) µg∙hr/mL and 3.6 (83%) µg/mL, respectively, for HIV-1-infected subjects with moderate hepatic impairment. The corresponding values in the control group were 28.5 (71%) µg∙hr/mL and 4.3 (68%) µg/mL. The geometic mean ratio (ratio of pharmacokinetic parameters in hepatically impaired subjects to subjects with normal liver function) (90% confidence interval) was 0.7 (0.3 to 1.6) for both AUC0-12 and Cmax, which suggests approximately 30% reduction in saquinavir exposure in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment. No dose adjustment is warranted for Invirase in HIV-1-infected patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Gender, Race, and Age

A gender difference was observed, with females showing higher saquinavir exposure than males (mean AUC 56% higher, mean Cmax 26% higher), in the relative bioavailability study comparing Invirase 500 mg film-coated tablets to the Invirase 200 mg capsules in combination with ritonavir. There was no evidence that age and body weight explained the gender difference in this study. A clinically significant difference in safety and efficacy between men and women has not been reported with the approved dosage regimen (saquinavir 1000-mg/ritonavir 100-mg twice daily).

The effect of race on the pharmacokinetics of saquinavir has not been investigated.

The pharmacokinetics of saquinavir have not been evaluated in the elderly.

Pediatric Subjects

Steady-state pharmacokinetic information is available from HIV-1 infected pediatric subjects from study NV20911. In this study, 5 subjects less than 2 years of age and 13 subjects between 2 and less than 6 years of age received 50 mg per kg saquinavir twice daily (not to exceed 1000 mg twice daily) boosted with ritonavir at 3 mg/kg for subjects with body weight ranging from 5 to <15 kg or 2.5 mg per kg for subjects with body weight ranging from 15 to 40 kg (not to exceed 100 mg twice daily). For subjects unable to swallow the Invirase capsules, the contents of Invirase 200 mg capsules were mixed with sugar syrup, or sorbitol syrup (for subjects with Type I diabetes or glucose intolerance), jam, or baby formula. The mean steady state saquinavir PK parameters for pediatric subjects 2 to less than 6 years of age were: AUC0-12h 37269 ± 18232 ng∙h/mL; Ctrough 1811 ± 998 ng/mL; Cmax 5464 ± 2782 ng/mL, and day 3 exposures may be within the range of exposure associated with QT and PR prolongation [see Clinical Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics (12.2)]. The subject number was too low and the pharmacokinetic data too variable in the subjects less than 2 years to establish an appropriate dosing recommendation for this age group. Pharmacokinetic data for subjects ages 6 to 16 years were not available for comparisons with observations from NV20911 [see Use in Specific Populations: Pediatric Use (8.4)] as the data from HIVNAT 017 could not be validated.

Drug Interactions

Table 5 summarizes the effect of saquinavir soft gel capsules and Invirase with and without ritonavir on the geometric mean AUC and Cmax of coadministered drugs. Table 6 summarizes the effect of coadministered drugs on the geometric mean AUC and Cmax of saquinavir.

Table 5 Effect of Saquinavir (+/- Ritonavir) on the Pharmacokinetics of Coadministered Drugs

Microbiology

Mechanism of Action

Saquinavir is an inhibitor of HIV-1 protease. HIV-1 protease is an enzyme required for the proteolytic cleavage of viral polyprotein precursors into individual functional proteins found in HIV-1 particles. Saquinavir is a peptide-like substrate analogue that binds to the protease active site and inhibits the activity of the enzyme. Saquinavir inhibition prevents cleavage of the viral polyproteins resulting in the formation of immature noninfectious viral particles

Antiviral Activity

The antiviral activity of saquinavir was assessed in lymphoblastoid and monocytic cell lines and in peripheral blood lymphocytes in cell culture. Saquinavir inhibited HIV-1 activity in both acutely and chronically infected cells. EC50 and EC90 values (50% and 90% inhibitory concentrations) ranged from 1 to 30 nM and 5 to 80 nM, respectively. In the presence of 40% human serum, the mean EC50 of saquinavir against laboratory strain HIV-1 RF in MT4 cells was 37.7± 5 nM representing a 4-fold increase in the EC50 value. In cell culture, saquinavir demonstrated additive to synergistic effects against HIV-1 in combination with reverse transcriptase inhibitors (didanosine, lamivudine, nevirapine, stavudine and zidovudine) without enhanced cytotoxicity. Saquinavir in combination with the protease inhibitors amprenavir, atazanavir, or lopinavir resulted in synergistic antiviral activity. Saquinavir displayed antiviral activity in cell culture against HIV-1 clades A-H (EC50 values ranged from 0.9 to 2.5 nM). The EC50 and EC90 values of saquinavir against HIV-2 isolates in cell culture ranged from 0.25 nM to 14.6 nM and 4.65 nM to 28.6 nM, respectively.

Resistance

HIV-1 isolates with reduced susceptibility to saquinavir have been selected during passage in cell culture. Genotypic analyses of these isolates showed several amino acid substitutions in the HIV-1 protease. Only the G48V and L90M substitutions were associated with reduced susceptibility to saquinavir, and conferred an increase in the EC50 value of 8- and 3-fold, respectively.

HIV-1 isolates with reduced susceptibility (≥4-fold increase in the EC50 value) to saquinavir emerged in some subjects treated with Invirase. Genotypic analysis of these isolates identified resistance conferring primary amino acid substitutions in the protease G48V and L90M, and secondary substitutions L10I/R/V, I54V/L, A71V/T, G73S, V77I, V82A and I84V that contributed additional resistance to saquinavir. Forty-one isolates from 37 subjects failing therapy with Invirase had a median decrease in susceptibility to saquinavir of 4.3-fold.

The degree of reduction in cell culture susceptibility to saquinavir of clinical isolates bearing substitutions G48V and L90M depends on the number of secondary substitutions present. In general, higher levels of resistance are associated with greater number of substitutions only in association with either or both of the primary substitutions G48V and L90M. No data are currently available to address the development of resistance in patients receiving saquinavir/ritonavir.

Cross-resistance

Among protease inhibitors, variable cross-resistance has been observed. In one clinical study, 22 HIV-1 isolates with reduced susceptibility (>4-fold increase in the EC50 value) to saquinavir following therapy with Invirase were evaluated for cross-resistance to amprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir and ritonavir. Six of the 22 isolates (27%) remained susceptible to all 4 protease inhibitors, 12 of the 22 isolates (55%) retained susceptibility to at least one of the protease inhibitors and 4 out of the 22 isolates (18%) displayed broad cross-resistance to all protease inhibitors. Sixteen (73%) and 11 (50%) of the 22 isolates remained susceptible (<4-fold) to amprenavir and indinavir, respectively. Four of 16 (25%) and nine of 21 (43%) with available data remained susceptible to nelfinavir and ritonavir, respectively.

After treatment failure with amprenavir, cross-resistance to saquinavir was evaluated. HIV-1 isolates from 22/22 subjects failing treatment with amprenavir and containing one or more substitutions M46L/I, I50V, I54L, V32I, I47V, and I84V were susceptible to saquinavir.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

Carcinogenicity studies found no indication of carcinogenic activity in rats and mice administered saquinavir for approximately 2 years. Because of limited bioavailability of saquinavir in animals, the plasma exposures (AUC values) in the respective species were approximately 29% (using rat) and 65% (using mouse) of those obtained in humans at the recommended clinical dose boosted with ritonavir.

Mutagenesis

Mutagenicity and genotoxicity studies, with and without metabolic activation where appropriate, have shown that saquinavir has no mutagenic activity in vitro in either bacterial (Ames test) or mammalian cells (Chinese hamster lung V79/HPRT test). Saquinavir does not induce chromosomal damage in vivo in the mouse micronucleus assay or in vitro in human peripheral blood lymphocytes, and does not induce primary DNA damage in vitro in the unscheduled DNA synthesis test.

Impairment of Fertility

No adverse effects were reported in fertility and reproductive performance study conducted in rats. Because of limited bioavailability of saquinavir in animals, the maximal plasma exposures achieved in rats were approximately 26% of those obtained in humans at the recommended clinical dose boosted with ritonavir.

Clinical Studies

Description of Clinical Studies in Adults

In a randomized, double-blind clinical study NV14256 in zidovudine-experienced, HIV-1-infected adult subjects, Invirase in combination with zalcitabine2 was shown to be superior to either Invirase or zalcitabine monotherapy in decreasing the cumulative incidence of clinical disease progression to AIDS-defining events or death. In another randomized study ACTG229/NV14255, subjects with advanced HIV-1 infection with history of prolonged zidovudine treatment were administered Invirase 600 mg (three times daily) + zidovudine + zalcitabine. Subjects receiving this regimen experienced greater increases in CD4+ cell counts as compared to those who received Invirase + zidovudine or zalcitabine + zidovudine. It should be noted the HIV treatment regimens that were used in these clinical trials are no longer considered standard of care.

Patient Counseling Information

A statement to patients and health care providers is included on the product's bottle label: ALERT: Find out about medicines that should NOT be taken with Invirase.

Invirase is not a cure for HIV-1 infection and patients may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections. Patients should remain under the care of a physician when using Invirase.

Patients should be advised to avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others.

Do not share needles or other injection equipment.

Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades.

Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.

Do not breastfeed. We do not know if Invirase can be passed to your baby in your breast milk and whether it could harm your baby. Also, mothers with HIV-1 should not breastfeed because HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in the breast milk.

17.1 Drug Interactions

Invirase may interact with some drugs; therefore, patients should be advised to report to their doctor the use of any other prescription, nonprescription medication, or herbal products, particularly St. John's wort.

17.2 PR and QT Interval Prolongation

Patients should be informed that Invirase may produce changes in the electrocardiogram (PR interval or QT interval prolongation). Patients should consult their health care provider if they are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or palpitations.

17.3 Fat Redistribution

Patients should be informed that redistribution or accumulation of body fat may occur in patients receiving protease inhibitors and that the cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time.

17.4 Dosing Instructions

Patients should be advised that Invirase must be used in combination with ritonavir, which significantly inhibits saquinavir's metabolism to provide increased plasma saquinavir levels.

Patients should be advised that Invirase administered with ritonavir should be taken within 2 hours after a full meal [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. When Invirase is taken without food, concentrations of saquinavir in the blood are substantially reduced and may result in no antiviral activity. Patients should be advised of the importance of taking their medication every day, as prescribed, to achieve maximum benefit. Patients should not alter the dose or discontinue therapy without consulting their physician. If a dose is missed, patients should take the next dose as soon as possible. However, the patient should not double the next dose.

Medication Guide

Invirase® (in-ver-ase)

(saquinavir mesylate)

Capsules and Tablets

Read this Medication Guide before you start taking Invirase and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This Medication Guide does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. You and your healthcare provider should talk about your treatment with Invirase before you start taking it and at regular checkups. You should stay under a healthcare provider's care when taking Invirase.

Changes in your heart rhythm and the electrical activity of your heart. These changes may be seen on an EKG (electrocardiogram) and can lead to serious heart problems. Your risk for these problems may be higher if you:

already have a history of abnormal heart rhythm, including Congenital Long QT Syndrome, or other types of heart disease.

take other medicines that can affect your heart rhythm while you take Invirase.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms while taking Invirase:

Invirase is a prescription anti-HIV medicine used in people over 16 years of age. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Invirase is a type of HIV-1 medicine called a protease inhibitor. Invirase is used with ritonavir and other anti-HIV medicines to treat people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection.

When used with other HIV-1 medicines, Invirase may help to reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood (called "viral load"). Invirase may also help to increase the number of white blood cells called CD4 (T) cell which help fight off other infections. Reducing the amount of HIV-1 and increasing the CD4 (T) cell count may improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or infections (opportunistic infections) that can happen when your immune system is weak.

In children, Invirase doses that are both effective and safe could not be determined.

Invirase does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. People taking Invirase may develop infections or other conditions associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections (for example, pneumonia and herpes virus infections).

Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others:

Do not share needles or other injection equipment.

Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades.

Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.

Who should not take Invirase?

Do not take Invirase if you take any of the following medicines or have the following conditions:

your healthcare provider has told you that you have a condition called Congenital Long QT Syndrome.

your healthcare provider has told you that you have complete AV (atrioventricular) block and you do not have a pacemaker or you are at risk for complete AV block.

your healthcare provider has told you that you have low potassium or low magnesium in your blood.

you have severe liver problems.

you have had a severe allergic reaction to saquinavir mesylate or any of the ingredients in Invirase. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in Invirase.

Talk to your healthcare provider before taking Invirase if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Taking Invirase with certain other medicines can cause serious problems or life threatening reactions.

Do not take Invirase/ritonavir (Norvir) if you take any of the following medicines:

Talk to your healthcare provider before taking Invirase if you take any of the medications listed above.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Invirase?

Invirase may not be right for you. Before you take Invirase, tell your healthcare provider if you:

have any heart problems, including a condition called Congenital Long QT Syndrome.

have diabetes.

have liver problems, including Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.

have hemophilia. People who take Invirase may have increased bleeding.

are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Invirase will harm your unborn baby.

Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry. If you take Invirase during pregnancy, talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in an antiretroviral pregnancy registry. The purpose of the pregnancy registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby.

are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. We do not know if Invirase can be passed to your baby in your breast milk and whether it could harm your baby. Also, mothers with HIV-1 should not breastfeed because HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in the breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescriptions and non-prescriptions medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Invirase may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how Invirase works. Do not start taking a new medicine without talking with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take Invirase with other medicines.

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of these medicines, if you are not sure.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I take Invirase?

Take Invirase exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.

Invirase comes as a 500 mg tablet or a 200 mg capsule.

Do not change your dose of Invirase or stop treatment without first talking with your healthcare provider.

Invirase must be used along with ritonavir (Norvir).

Take Invirase up to 2 hours after a meal.

Do not miss a dose of Invirase. It is very important to take your medicine every day. If you skip doses or take less than the prescribed dose the medicine will not work as well, and the virus may become harder to treat.

If you miss a dose of Invirase, you should take the next dose as soon as possible. Do not double your dose.

If you take more than your prescribed dose of Invirase, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

If you are unable to swallow Invirase capsules whole, you may open the capsule and mix the contents with sugar syrup or jam. People with type 1 diabetes or glucose intolerance should use sorbitol syrup.

Use a medicine cup to measure 15 mL of the syrup or jam into a container. You can ask your pharmacist for a medicine cup if you do not have one.

Open the capsule and pour the contents into the container with the syrup or jam.

Diabetes and high blood sugar. Some people who take protease inhibitors including Invirase get new or more serious diabetes, or high blood sugar. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice an increase in thirst or urinate more often than normal while taking Invirase.

Liver problems. People with liver problems such as Hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis or have a history of alcoholism may have worsening liver problems.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these signs and symptoms of liver problems:

loss of appetite

yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes (jaundice)

dark-colored urine

pale colored stools

itchy skin

stomach area (abdominal) pain

Increased bleeding in people with hemophilia. Some people with hemophilia have increased bleeding with protease inhibitors including Invirase.

Increase in certain fat (cholesterol and triglycerides) levels in your blood. Your healthcare provider will check your blood for high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides before you start Invirase and during treatment with Invirase.

Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck ("buffalo hump"), breasts, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time.

Immune System Changes (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider if you start having new or worse symptoms of infection after starting your HIV-1 medicine.

Common side effects of Invirase include:

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea

stomach area (abdominal) pain

tiredness

pneumonia

changes in body fat

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Invirase. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-800-835-2555.

How should I store Invirase?

Store Invirase at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

Keep Invirase in a tightly closed container.

Keep Invirase and all medicine out of the reach of children.

General information about Invirase

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use Invirase for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Invirase to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.

This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about Invirase. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Invirase that is written for health professionals.

For more information, go to http://www.gene.com/gene/products/information/Invirase or call 1-877-436-3683.

The brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Roche Laboratories, Inc. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse Roche Laboratories, Inc. or its products.

Invirase is a registered trademark of Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.

This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Capsules Manufactured by:

Roche Farma, S.A., Leganes, Spain

Tablets Manufactured by:

Roche Farma, S.A., Leganes, Spain

Distributed by:

Genentech USA, Inc.
A Member of the Roche Group
1 DNA Way
South San Francisco, CA 94080-4990

Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.